Nollywood actress Laide Bakare has apologised and paid tribute to late veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, following criticism over a dancing video she shared online after his death.
Bakare came under scrutiny after the video, in which she was seen dancing, circulated on social media and attracted criticism from some users who considered the post insensitive given the actor’s death.
In a video addressing the controversy, the actress explained that she had been away from her phone and was unaware that the footage had been widely circulated and tagged to her.
Bakare said she had just returned from a movie premiere when she became aware of the reactions to the video.
She explained that her phone had not been with her for some time, adding that she did not immediately know what was happening online.
The actress appealed to members of the public to understand the circumstances surrounding the post before judging her.
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Bakare described the period as a “dark Sunday” and expressed sadness over the death of Ogogo, a veteran actor whose career spanned several decades in the Nigerian film industry.
She also urged the public to be mindful of the things they say during difficult moments, particularly when dealing with the death of a colleague and a member of the entertainment community.
Her clarification came amid growing reactions to the dancing video, with social media users divided over whether the post was inappropriate or had been taken out of context.
Bakare’s comments appeared aimed at putting an end to the controversy while acknowledging the sensitivity surrounding Ogogo’s death.
Ogogo, whose real name was Taiwo Hassan, was a prominent figure in the Yoruba film industry and was widely recognised for his roles in Nigerian movies and his contributions to the growth of Yoruba-language cinema.
His death has continued to attract tributes from colleagues, fans and other members of the entertainment industry, many of whom have described him as an influential figure in Nollywood.
Bakare’s apology and tribute come as the industry continues to mourn the veteran actor, with colleagues and admirers paying their respects to his legacy.